In Wake of Explosion and Fire, Duluth Mayor Calls for Change to Oil Refining Process

Photo: City of DuluthEmily Larson

May 01, 2018 04:53 PM

In the wake of last week's explosion and fire at the Husky Energy refinery in Superior, Wisconsin, Duluth mayor Emily Larson is calling on the company to eliminate hyrdrogen flouride from their refining process.

In a statement, Larson praised the company's investment in the Twin Ports area and the jobs the refinery provides.

"Currently, Husky operates a refinery within a population district of well over 130,000 people," read the statement in part.

"We welcome their investment in our economies and the good paying jobs this work provides. However, choosing the known risks of hydrogen flouride is not something that is in keeping with the premise of being a good corporate partner. It elevates the danger to our environment and our people."

In a statement issued in response, the company said it will look at a number of ideas as it rebuilds.

"We will be looking at a number of options for the refinery configuration going forward," the statement read. "The HF unit and its safety systems will be a part of the thorough investigation underway at the refinery, in conjunction with regulators."

Duluth TV station WDIO reported that at a press conference Monday, refinery manager Kollin Schade also said the company may look at reconfiguring as it rebuilds, and finding ways to bring the refinery back better and safer for the public.

That includes potentially replacing the hydrogen fluoride that was reportedly at risk while the asphalt tanks burned.